Recent content from Mark Craig
Flores channels inner Zimmer, makes pitch for another cornerback
Not everybody is fixated on which quarterback the Vikings should take in next week's NFL draft.
Brian Flores, the team's defensive coordinator, thinks "you can never have enough" cornerbacks.
O'Connell has spent life around QBs. Can that help Vikings draft one?
Kevin O'Connell has been an NFL quarterback, played with Tom Brady and coached the position. The Vikings head coach shared things he wants to see in a quarterback.
Tackles are solid, but Vikings' offensive line still has big needs
Part 1 of a series: Three names to know, one sleeper and when the Vikings are likely to address their offensive line issues kick off our look at the 2024 draft.
Drafting QBs in the first round: How's that gone for Vikings?
The Vikings have drafted four quarterbacks in the first round in their 62-year history, and none higher than the 11th overall pick. That's where they are currently set to pick this year.
Vikings GM finds himself looking up at his NFC North peers
On the NFL: Losing Kirk Cousins, while financially sound in the long term, doesn't help the Vikings as they fight to catch up to the Lions, Packers and Bears.
Jones thanks the Packers, but says time with Vikings 'is going to be beautiful'
GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah dismissed concerns about the running back's age, and the running back pointedly offered a reminder of his strong finish in 2023.
5 extra points: Painful payday for Vikings; an embarrassed team
The Vikings rank second in the NFL in a dubious category -- how much they'll be paying in salary to players who are on other teams.
The Vikings' QB shuffle is over for now. Let's talk guards.
What's left for the Vikings at a position that could use an upgrade, as usual?
What's next on Vikings' to-do list after split with Cousins?
Mark Craig's On the NFL: The Vikings added three players to their defensive front seven, but still need upgrades on the offensive line, a better run game and, of course, more cornerbacks.
Attention, Kmart shoppers! Bridge quarterbacks available in Aisle 3
A bridge to (the quarterback of) the future isn't necessarily a bad Plan B if the Vikings don't want to overpay for Kirk Cousins.
What can the Vikings learn from the Chiefs' Super Bowl win?
Sure, an elite quarterback like Patrick Mahomes changes any NFL franchise, but there's more to learn from Kansas City's newly crowned dynasty.
Why Purdy is the best bargain in Super Bowl history
Words themselves can't do the fairy-tale start to Brock Purdy's NFL career justice. So, here's a number to noodle on Sunday while watching Purdy quarterback the 49ers in the Super Bowl against the Chiefs.
Allen 'disappointed and shocked' by latest Hall of Fame omission
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024, announced on Thursday night, includes edge rushers Dwight Freeney and Julius Peppers, but not former Vikings defensive end Jared Allen, who was a finalist each of the past four years.
Super Bowl prediction: Third title for Chiefs or redemption for 49ers?
On Sunday in Las Vegas, Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and coach Andy Reid vie for their third championship in five years against the team they beat for the first one: the 49ers.
The Super Bowl ingredient just as important as the quarterbacks
As the Chiefs, Ravens, Lions and 49ers prepare for divisional championship games, all four have a dream duo pushing them onward.
Mark Craig's NFL conference championship predictions
Which of the Chiefs, Ravens, Lions and 49ers will earn a ticket to Super Bowl LVIII?
Vikings' Randle finds way to mix love of football with golf
John Randle, the Vikings' Hall of Fame defensive tackle, is helping announce a golf tournament that will debut in 2025 and combine members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the PGA Champions Tour.
The Vikings passed on these non-QB players. Now they're in the playoffs.
The NFL's elite eight go beyond big-name quarterbacks, including several stars from the 2022 draft the Vikings passed on.
NFL divisional playoffs: Mark Craig predicts the final four
The No. 1 seeds — the Ravens in the AFC and the 49ers in the NFC — enter the fray after some wild-card weekend surprises.
Mark Craig previews and predicts reunion-heavy NFL wild-card weekend
Packers vs Cowboys? Matthew Stafford vs. the Lions? Tyreek Hill vs. the Chiefs? Story lines abound as the NFL playoffs begin.
NFL playoffs: Meet the 14 QBs who didn't get their coaches fired — for now
On the NFL Insider: The 14 playoff teams have 14 different situations at quarterback — some meticulously planned, some stopgaps and some Band-Aids.
Fifty years later, Foreman still sees versions of himself in the NFL
Vikings star running back Chuck Foreman is not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but he started the evolution of pass-catching backs in 1973.
Five Extra Points: Plenty of reasons for Vikings' 2023 failings
Start with a $13 million investment for a player who played in only four games this season.
Mark Craig's Week 18 NFL picks: Can Vikings get nudge into playoffs?
It's entirely possible for the Vikings to get all the help they need to make the playoffs. But will they help themselves vs. the Lions?
Vikings' O'Connell isn't NFL Coach of the Year anymore. Who is?
Our NFL Insider reveals his current ranking of NFL Coach of the Year candidates. The Vikings' Kevin O'Connell was once at the top of the list. See Mark Craig's new top five.
Jefferson calls this Vikings season 'most difficult' of his career
Since Justin Jefferson left LSU as a national champion and entered the NFL as a first-round draft pick, he's won 30 games and lost 30.
Vikings' Hunter, DePaola named to NFC Pro Bowl team
Vikings edge rusher Danielle Hunter was named a Pro Bowl starter for the first time while long snapper Andrew DePaola added to his accolades.
Vikings stagger into new year with 33-10 loss to Packers
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell's move to rookie quarterback Jaren Hall doesn't work out, as turnovers and injuries plague the team again as they fall to 7-9.
Mark Craig's Week 17 NFL picks: Who else will join playoff field?
The Vikings and Packers meet in a battle of 7-8 teams, and wins by the Seahawks and Rams earlier in the day would make it an playoff elimination game.
'Killing us this whole entire year': How turnovers transformed the Vikings season
Coach Kevin O'Connell has been begging his players to hold on to the ball as the Vikings rank 30th in turnovers (30) and turnover differential (minus-9).
Vikings QB Mullens on benching: 'I totally understand'
Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens says he's been helping his replacement Jaren Hall, knowing that as a backup, "you're still only one snap away, so you have to have thick skin."
Vikings CB Murphy out for Packers game; O'Neill set to return
The Vikings will be without top cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. again, but right tackle Brian O'Neill will be back. Among those listed as questionable are receiver Jordan Addison and cornerback Mekhi Blackmon.
Former Viking Allen is Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist again
Jared Allen, a four-time first-team All-Pro at defensive end, is among the 15 modern-era finalists for the Hall of Fame. A class of five will be selected in January.
Five extra points: Vikings bloody in the red zone. Was Jefferson open?
Dan Campbell and Jared Goff led the Lions past the Vikings as Justin Jefferson couldn't make Nick Mullens look any better.
Lions' first division title in 30 years is 'just the beginning'
Some in the Lions locker room were in tears Sunday, but this time, they were tears of joy after a win over the Vikings clinched a playoff spot.
Week 16 NFL picks: Celebrate Super Bowl previews this holiday weekend
On Sunday, the Cowboys, No. 2 in the NFC, travel to Miami, No. 2 in the AFC. On Monday night, the Ravens, No. 1 in the AFC, travel to San Francisco, No. 1 in the NFC.
Vikings' Jefferson aims to get back into better blocking habits
Also, the Vikings defense gets more bad news on the injury front as it prepares to face the Lions' third-ranked offense.
Regrets? Vikings QB Mullens has a few
Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens is working on his cadence and decisionmaking as he prepares for his next start, against the Lions on Sunday.
Vikings' Hicks practices again, hopes to play vs. Lions
Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks has been sidelined for 5½ weeks after having emergency surgery on his right shin to address compartment syndrome.
Five extra points: Tush Push? How about O'Connell's 'Tush Tap'?
For those who felt the Tush Push was too effective, Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell and Brandon Powell explored innovation vs. Bengals.
Ivan Pace Jr. comes home to Cincinnati as an NFL success story
The Vikings undrafted rookie linebacker will spend his 23rd birthday playing in front of 50 family members and friends against the Bengals. Ivan Pace Sr. says his son was made for football because he "always liked to wreck things."
Mark Craig's NFL picks: It's not all backup QBs out there
While it may seem like the NFL is running out of quarterbacks, there are some marquee matchups of playoff contenders in Week 15.
Five extra points: Losers in Vikings-Raiders game? Almost everyone
What's the best way to summarize the Vikings' 3-0 victory in Las Vegas? How about ugly, uglier, ugliest — except for one facet of the game.
Love no longer stinks. Packers QB driving his team toward playoffs
Since the Vikings befuddled Jordan Love during Week 8, he has rallied to be among the NFL's leaders and bring his team from a 2-5 start into playoff contention — and with an easier remaining schedule than the Vikings have.
Mark Craig's NFL picks: Playoff implications are everywhere
All 15 games have at least one team with something to play for, including the Vikings' trip to Vegas and a NFC East showdown between the Eagles and Cowboys.
In wild season for quarterbacks, Dobbs should start again for Vikings
You can't predict NFL quarterbacking — Jake Browning leading the Bengals, anyone? — but the Vikings shouldn't overthink their situation at quarterback Not yet, anyway.
Are Vikings best of the worst NFC playoff contenders? We'll find out
Congratulations, Vikings Nation. Your squad is the best of the 10 worst teams still pillow-fighting for the NFC's final wild-card spot. How many of them do you think have winning records?
Craig's Week 13 NFL picks: With Vikings off, watch these games instead
The NFC's best teams meet in Philadelphia, which will either amplify or overshadow how weak the rest of the conference is.
In loss to Bears, Vikings defense needed more help from O'Connell
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said he trusted his defenders, but he gave them little margin for error with a pair of crucial field-position decisions vs. the Bears.
Jared Allen back on semifinalist list for Pro Football Hall of Fame
The former Vikings defensive end is already a three-time finalist in his first three years of Hall of Fame eligibility. Can he get to the next level in the balloting?
Five extra points: Bears tried to lose but Vikings refused to let them
The last-place Bears finally met their match when it came to insisting that the other team win as Joshua Dobbs faltered and Kevin O'Connell made some strange decisions.
Vikings' Wonnum is stacking up sacks in a contract year
Fourth-year pro D.J. Wonnum has six sacks through 11 games, and he and Danielle Hunter have joined forces to be one of the top duos in the NFL.
Week 12 NFL picks: Are shake-ups in standings and staffing coming?
Will Week 12 of the NFL season lead to changes at the top of some divisions and the firing of a coach?
Jefferson closer to returning, but Vikings will make certain he's 100%
Receiver Justin Jefferson could be ready for Monday night's game vs. the Chicago Bears — or the Vikings could wait until after the bye week to activate him.
Mark Craig's Thanksgiving NFL picks, with a Black Friday bonus
This year's Thanksgiving games dish up two interesting matchups and a very lopsided one.
Hunter is Vikings' nominee for NFL sportsmanship award
Vikings edge rusher Danielle Hunter has been flagged for only eight accepted penalties in his nine-year NFL career.
Vikings' Hockenson went from injured to record-setting game in 7 days
A combination of medical care, extra padding and sheer human toughness kept Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson on the field against the New Orleans Saints.
Baffling play call, no-call get Vikings off to bad start in loss
The Vikings turned the ball over for the fifth time in 11 opening possessions this season on a trick play gone wrong. And the Joshua Dobbs fumble isn't the only part of the play worth reviewing.
Five extra points: 'Cute' plays aren't helping Vikings, more sacks would
A direct snap to a tight end, followed by a pitch to the quarterback, led to a fumble on the third play of the game. And all that pressure on the quarterback should result in more sacks.
Vikings' Phillips wants to be a head coach, but has unfinished business
Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips, the son and grandson of NFL coaches, doesn't call the team's plays. But he is an invaluable game-planner and eye in the sky during games for Kevin O'Connell.
Mark Craig's Week 11 NFL picks: Who wins the Super Bowl rematch?
The Chiefs play the Eagles again, the Browns face the Steelers without Deshaun Watson, and the Vikings and Broncos put winning streaks on the line.
NFL's cleanest player? Why a (bad) penalty call on Hunter stood out.
Danielle Hunter has played in 118 NFL games, sacked the quarterback 86½ times and has one 15-yard penalty — in his entire career. "I try to play the right way," he said.
Five extra points: Why did Dobbs tell teammate, 'I'm not worried'?
Kevin O'Connell and the run defense came through on Sunday. And the Vikings made a key adjustment after noticing something New Orleans was doing to try containing Joshua Dobbs.
Vikings left tackle Darrisaw expected to start against Saints
New Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs didn't have Christian Darrisaw for his first game, but the left tackle will be back to face New Orleans.
NFL midseason awards: Is Kevin O'Connell the Coach of the Year so far?
Midway through the season, the race for Coach of the Year is as crowded as it was last year when the Vikings' Kevin O'Connell finished sixth. Does he have a better case for the award now?
Craig's Week 10 NFL picks: Defenses getting their moment in the sun
An AFC North battle of top defenses is the highlight of this weekend's NFL schedule.
Vikings' Dobbs named NFC Offensive Player of the Week
Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs was recognized for his role coming off the bench to beat the Falcons. But who will back him up against the Saints?
Jefferson back at Vikings practice, but unlikely to play Sunday
The Vikings opened the 21-day window for Justin Jefferson's return from a hamstring injury sustained against the Chiefs on Oct. 8.
Can Powell end a years-long streak of Vikings futility on Sunday?
Mark Craig's On the NFL: With Kirk Cousins out, the Vikings have to "reshape" parts of their plans, including special teams. Will Sunday's game against the Saints end a punt return streak that goes back to 2016?
5 extra points: Dynamic Dobbs; defense thrives, survives poor punt
Early analysis is the Vikings pulled off a heist getting Joshua Dobbs for a low draft pick. The defense played well but got tired, and a poor punt came close to costing the team a memorable victory.
Mark Craig's Week 9 NFL picks: Enjoy the best week of the season
The NFL season reaches the halfway point with four marquee games, starting with Chiefs vs. Dolphins in Germany.
Ex-Vikings GM Spielman content watching NFL trade deadline from Sanibel Island
Rick Spielman says he has no interest in returning to an NFL front office. He's too happy, too sun-splashed and too busy with media side jobs for bitterness.
'Chill' Hall prepares for extra pressure from Falcons in first start
If Atlanta blitzes Jaren Hall, the Vikings say they have several ways to counter the extra pressure on Jaren hall, the rookie quarterback
Help wanted: Vikings finally join ranks of teams needing a starting QB
How many quarterbacks have started for the NFL's 31 other teams since Kirk Cousins signed with the Vikings in 2018? One Vikings player saw the number and reacted: "Man, that's crazy."
